- Job title:Area Director of Psychiatry
- Location: Perth, Western Australia.
- Remuneration: Up to $580k.
The Opportunity
We're working with WA Country Health Service to place a senior psychiatrist into one of the most influential mental health leadership roles in regional Australia. This is a genuine system-level position — not a title with limited authority, but a role with real accountability across multiple regions and a direct reporting line to the Executive Director Mental Health.If you're a FRANZCP-qualified psychiatrist who's ready to move beyond clinical work and shape the future of mental health care at a population level — then this could be the opportunity for you!
Reporting to the Executive Director Mental Health and working alongside a number of Directors of Psychiatry, you'll provide clinical and professional leadership across this health service's Mental Health Services. Your remit includes strategic planning, workforce development, service redesign, and quality governance — with a special focus on improving access and outcomes in rural and remote communities, including within Australian Aboriginal Communities.
Reporting directly to the Executive Director Mental Health, you will provide clinical and professional leadership across all WACHS mental health services. You will sit at the top of a structured psychiatry leadership team, with four Directors of Psychiatry (Training, ICAMHS, Older Adult and Youth) reporting directly to you.
WHY PERTH?
- For Aussie-based candidates, Perth can be an underrated move — and those who make it rarely look back East.
- Perth is closer to the rest of the world.
- Space, sun and lifestyle — Perth is Australia's sunniest capital, with a Mediterranean climate that makes year-round outdoor living genuinely easy. The coastline delivers world-class beaches and wildlife on your doorstep.
- More affordable than the east coast — Rent in Perth is around 53% lower than Sydney and meaningfully lower than Melbourne. For a senior medical professional, your salary goes significantly further here, and day-to-day costs follow suit.
- Short commutes, strong work-life balance — Long commutes are rare compared with Sydney or Melbourne. Perth's work culture places a genuine emphasis on finishing on time and getting outdoors, spending time with friends or family.
- Perth ranks among the world's top 15 most liveable cities. Vibrant enough for culture, dining and events, but without the density and cost pressure of the east coast. Home to almost 2 million people.
- Safe, welcoming and multicultural — Ranked the 4th safest city in Australia, with over 200 nationalities represented. For families relocating interstate, it's a smooth transition with strong schools and rich career prospects for spouses/partners.
Your key responsibilities will be in:
Clinical Leadership
- Lead professional accountability for regional Consultant Psychiatrists and medical staff
- Drive the development of Models of Care for mental health in country WA
- Partner with the Aboriginal Health Program to build cultural competence across all services
- Oversee education and training to maintain professional standards and core competencies
Safety & Quality
- Lead clinical governance, policy development, and compliance with the WA Mental Health Act 2014
- Represent the organisation on key clinical governance committees
- Drive a culture of trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, culturally secure care
- Proudly support rural medical practitioners with complex complaints and open disclosure
Management & Administration
- Contribute to strategic planning, innovation, and operational goals
- Participate in medical recruitment and advise on rostering
- Represent WACHS across the sector, advocating for equity in mental health care statewide
Clinical Services
- Support clinical assessment, treatment planning, and therapeutic intervention for consumers
- Play a collaborative role in the design and delivery of TeleMental Health and the Mental Health Emergency Telehealth Service
Why this job stands out
- Genuine executive influence — you'll sit on governance committees and shape policy at the highest level
- Direct reports of 4 Directors of Psychiatry
- Telehealth and digital innovation — a central role in the expansion of virtual mental health care across regional WA
- Aboriginal Mental Health — meaningful partnership work with dedicated programs and communities
- Equity-driven mission — improving access and outcomes for some of Australia's most underserved communities
Who we're looking for
- FRANZCP - or about to be awarded FRANZCP.
- Eligible for registration with the Medical Board of Australia
- Demonstrated leadership and management experience in a clinical psychiatry setting
- Good working knowledge of the WA Mental Health Act 2014 and its clinical application
TO APPLY OR ENQUIRE CONFIDENTIALLY
Contact Alasdair at Spinner Medical Recruitment. Confidential enquiries are welcome before you formally apply. alasdair@spinnermedical.com or call/message 447414531583
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